Wash gently
Wash your feet each day in warm—not hot—water with mild soap. Long soaking can dry the skin and is usually unnecessary.
Look after your feet
Small habits can make a big difference.
Simple foot care can help protect your skin, reduce avoidable discomfort and make it easier to notice changes early.
Everyday routine
Six foundations of healthier feet
This is general guidance, not a personal diagnosis. If a problem is painful, persistent or worrying, ask a registered healthcare professional.
Dry carefully
Dry your feet gently and pay particular attention between the toes, where lingering moisture can encourage skin problems.
Moisturise dry skin
Use foot moisturiser on dry areas, but avoid applying it between the toes unless a healthcare professional advises otherwise.
Trim nails safely
Cut toenails straight across, following the end of the toe. Avoid cutting down the sides, which can contribute to ingrowing nails.
Choose shoes well
Look for a secure heel, cushioned sole and enough width and depth for your toes. Shoes should not pinch, rub or slide.
Check regularly
Look for cuts, blisters, colour changes, swelling or sore areas—especially if reduced mobility or sensation makes problems harder to notice.
Common concerns
Know when self-care is not enough
Foot problems can look similar. Avoid cutting, picking or using strong treatments when you are unsure what a mark or growth is.
Corns and calluses
These are areas of thickened skin, commonly caused by repeated pressure or rubbing. Wide, comfortable footwear and cushioning may help reduce irritation.
- Do not cut them with blades or sharp tools.
- Do not self-treat if you have diabetes, heart disease or circulation problems.
- Seek advice if an area bleeds, has discharge or remains painful.
Verrucae
Verrucae are warts on the foot caused by a virus. They often clear without treatment, although this can take months or longer.
- Do not scratch or pick them.
- Cover a verruca when swimming and avoid walking barefoot in public changing areas.
- Ask for advice if it is very painful, bleeding, changing or repeatedly returning.
Bunions and hammer toes
A bunion is a bony prominence where the big toe joint changes shape. Hammer toes are toes that remain bent at one or more joints.
- Wide, deep footwear can reduce pressure and rubbing.
- Pads may improve comfort but do not correct the underlying shape.
- Only surgery can correct a bunion; conservative care focuses on symptoms.
Chilblains
Chilblains are itchy or burning patches that can develop after cold exposure. They usually settle within two to three weeks.
- Warm cold feet gradually and keep them dry.
- Do not use a radiator or hot water to warm the skin quickly.
- See a GP if they persist, become infected, keep returning or you have diabetes.
Footwear
A good fit should feel good from the start
Do not rely on uncomfortable shoes “breaking in”. Persistent pressure and rubbing can contribute to blisters, corns and calluses.
- Allow room to move all your toes freely.
- Choose a fastening that holds the foot securely.
- Check inside for rough seams, worn linings or foreign objects.
- Wear new shoes for short periods at first and check your skin afterwards.
- Change socks daily and avoid tight elastic or bulky seams.
When nail care is difficult
If your nails are very thick, painful, difficult to reach or you cannot see your feet clearly, do not take risks with sharp tools. Professional care is safer than cutting blindly or too deeply.
Ask Irene for adviceExtra care if you have diabetes
Diabetes can affect sensation and circulation, so a small injury may become serious quickly. Check your feet every day. If you notice a new wound, break in the skin, swelling, heat, colour or shape change, discharge, smell or unexplained pain, contact your diabetes foot team or GP promptly. Use NHS 111 if they are unavailable.
Royal College of Podiatry diabetes guidanceClinical sources
Guidance checked against trusted UK sources
This page was reviewed against the sources below on 19 July 2026. It should still receive owner approval before publication.
Need individual advice?
Book a professional foot assessment.
General information cannot replace an assessment of your own feet and health.